Numbering-head.



A. H. SMITH.

NUMBERING HEAD. APPLICATION IIL'ED MAY 22, 1913,

W ",8 WWW i n a k \3 w \n a. @11 v @I w Q m 7 THE NORRIS PETERS CO-, PHOTO'LITHll. WASHINGTON. D. C

A. H. SMITH.

NUMBERING HEAD.

APPLICATION TILED MAY 22,1913. 1,125,1 96. Pateilted Jan.19, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET Z.

I 731/ w 1 m Z1 7:

1w: NORRIS PETERS CO.. PHOTO'LITHOH WASHING [0N1 D. Cv

AMOS H. SMITH, 0F NEVJ YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY,

A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

NUMBEBING-HEAD.

masses.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J an. 19, 1915.

Application filed May 22, 1913. Serial No. 769,137.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, Amos H. SMITH, a citizen of the United States, residing in the borough of Bronx, in the city of New York, county of Bronx, and State of New "York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Numbering-Heads, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompany ing drawings, which form a part thereof.

My invention relates to numbering heads, and more particularly to a numbering head wherein means are provided for preventing the accidental actuation of a digit wheel of a higher denomination by a digit wheel of lower denomination.

The main object of the invention is to provide a numbering head employing a plurality 0f digit wheels, and means for pro gressively actuating these digit wheels, wherein each digit wheel will receive a timely actuation, while being locked against rotation in either direction at all times eX- cepting while it is being actuated, the'locking means being positively actuated to insure reliability in its operation.

A further object is to provide a numbering head wherein each digit wheel is actuated independently of every other wheel and the actuating means therefor is so constructed and arranged as to lock said wheel at all times excepting during the operative moment thereof, thus not only avoiding the overrunning of the wheels, but preventing the accidental turning of any wheel, or its turning in any manner, excepting through its own actuating mechanism.

A still further object is to provide a numbering head of this character in which the locking mechanism may be made inoperas tive at will to release all of the digit wheels and permit any of them tobe freely rotated in either direction to facilitate the setting of the head to any desired number.

A still further object is to provide a numbering head wherein the digit wheels may be set close together and the actuating means therefor ofiset relative thereto so as to permit the simultaneous locking and release of each digit wheel, and of the actuating mechanism therefor, and at the same time permit compactness of the structure.

A still further object is to provide a numbering head wherein all the parts are readily accessible for cleaning purposes. And a still further object is to provide a numberinghead wherein the locking means for each digit wheel will true up oraline this wheel after each actuation thereof,

progressively actuating each of said printing elements and the corresponding rotaryelement, a sequence of locking means acting upon each of said printing elements eX- cepting the units element, and cooperating with the rotary element ofthe digit wheel of'next lower denomination, and independently operative means controlled by said rotary elements respectively, whereby said locking means for each printing element is independently actuated and rendered inop erative during the operative moment of each printing element; and in such other novel features of construction and combination of parts as are hereinafter set forth and described, and more particularly pointed. out in the claims hereto appended.

Referring to the drawings :Figure 1 is a bottom view of a numbering head embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2'2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a top view of the numbering head; Fig. 4 is a detail view of the units element of the actuating mechanism; and Fig. 5 is a detail view of one of the actuating elements other than the units.

Like letters refer to out the several views. v

In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, a; indicates an angular frame, the side walls of which have mounted therein afixed' shaft 6, upon which is mounted a plurality of independently movable printing elements. Each of said elements comprises a digit .wheel as (Z a f or g, and a gear wheel as c d e f or 9 secured thereto or formed therewith, so as to permit the actuation of said digit wheels like parts throughrespectively therethrough. Each said digit wheel has formed on the periphery thereof, in the ordinary manner, the ten digits.

The wheels from left to right in Fig. 1 of the drawings are the units, tens, hundreds, thousands and tens of thousands, the numbering head shown being designed to print up to, but not including, one hundred thousand.

The printing elements are adapted to be actuated progressively, means being provided whereby when the digit nine of any wheel is in the printing position, and all other wheels of lower denomination also have the digit nine in the printing position, the wheel of next higher denomination will be actuated or rotated one tenth of arevolution to accomplish the carrying or transfer operation.

Mounted in the frame a is a fixed shaft h, counter to the shaft 6, said shaft having mounted thereon the means for transmitting a timely rotary movement to the various printing elements. This means in the form of the invention shown, comprises a plurality of rotary actuating elements, one for each printing element, which elements are independently movable under the control of a main actuating or transfer mechanism. Each of these elements has certain characteristics common to all of them, the units element, however, preferably being provided with an additional element, although if desired, this may be dispensed with. The characteristics common to all of these elements are means whereby it receives a step by step movement; means for transmitting said movement to a printing element; and means whereby one actuating element will release the locking mechanism for the digit wheel of next higher denomination, during the transfer operation.

In the form of the invention shown, each. actuating element comprises a gear 2' j is Z m, in constant mesh with the gears 0 d e f and g respectively. Associated with each of said gears 27 to m inclusive, is a ratchet wheel j is Z or m, through which said gear receives a step by step movement, and a cam plate i j Z m adapted to control the locking mechanism. Each of said cam plates has a single rise thereon as indicated at 2 7' 0 Z and m, so as to cause the actuation of said lockingmechanism once during each complete rotation. of said cam. If desired, the actuating element for the printing element of highest denomination. need not be furnished with a releasing cam as.

912. because of the absence of a printing element of higher denomination.

In addition to the gear i ratchet 2" and cam plate 2' the actuating element for the units printing element is provided with a star wheel 71 having ten rises thereon, each. of which is adapted upon each actuation of the units actuating element, to release the locking mechanism for the units printing element. As stated above, this star wheel may be dispensed with if desired, although 1 prefer to employ it inasmuch as the locking mechanism also serves to secure the accurate positioning, or prevent the overrunning, ot a. printing element, acting as a stop as well as a lock.

Numbering heads used in high class work should always have perfect alinement of the digits and the various digit wheels should move in true progression. A common fault in numbering heads heretofore used has been a tendency of the digit wheels to overrun sli htly when actuated, with a resultant loss of alinement and a tendency of the ink to enter between adjacent digit whee s, and to cause such an adherence of one wheel. to the other as to result in the accidental rotation of a wheel of higher denomination by a wheel of lower denomination, and independently of the actuating or transfer mechanism. Number ing heads have heretofore been designed in which the digit wheels are automatically locked to prevent over-running or accidental actuation thereof, or skippin such being applicable to some types of mechanisms but not to others.

By my herein described invention, I am enabled to produce a numbering head in which all of the digit wheels, including the unit wheel, if desired, will be locked at all times excepting during that interval when it is actually being rotated, the locking mechanism becoming operative instantly upon the completion of the requisite rotary movement of the digit wheel so as to stop the rotary movement thereof, and thus preserve the alinement of all of the digit wheels. I will now describe this locking mechanism. Carried by the sides of the frame a, are the parallel rods n it, upon .which are mounted respectively the levers 0 p g r s, and 0 '79" q 1" and s, the levers of each pair being offset relative to each other and being connected by a pin and slot connection as at 0 p Q2 r and s so as to cause the movement of the free end of the levers 0 to s inclusive to result in a similar movement of the free end of the levers 0 to s. The free end of the levers p to s inclusive are provided respectively with a cam surface adapted to be engaged by the rises i to Z inclusive of the cams 2' to Z, while the free end of the levers 7) to s are provided respectively with a bolt adapted to enter a peripheral socket between succeeding characters upon the respective digit wheels (Z to g inclusive. The lever 0 is provided with a cam surface adapted to engage the star wheel '5 and the cam 0' is provided with a bolt adapted to enter the sockets between the characters of the digit wheel 0.

The construction and arrangement of the locking means carried by the various lever systems and digit wheels is identical, and l have therefore shown the bolt and socket construction as applied to but one of these wheels, as in Fig. 2 of the drawings. In this view, I have indicated the bolt by the letter 23, and the peripheral sockets upon the digit wheel by the letter u.

Acting upon each lever 0 p g r ands is a spring 0 p g r and 8 having a normal tendency to force the bolt 6 toward its digit wheel and into any socket u therein. The various sockets u have inclined walls for the purpose of facilitating the withdrawal of the bolt t therefrom and insuring accuracy in the alinement of I the digit wheels.

Cooperating with each of the ratchet Wheels 2" to m inclusive, is a pawl o o '0 v or o carried by an oscillatory frame actuated by. the plunger w. These pawls all act simultaneously and are graduated in depth or have their operative teeth spaced at different distances from the shaft it. Each of the ratchet wheels has a socket therein indicated at m in Fig. 2, which sockets are adapted to permit any pawl to drop forwardly and permit the pawl cooperating with the ratchet wheel controlling the digit wheel of next higher denomination, to drop into engagement therewith, providing all digit wheels of lower denomination are set atnine. When any wheel of the lower denomination is not set at nine, all the pawl excepting that engaging said ratchet wheel, will be held by the ratchet of lowest denomination not set at nine, out of engagementwith their ratchet wheels, thus causing saidother pawls to ride over and be inoperative in relation to, their ratchet wheels. This construction is old and well known in this art, however, and it is not my intention to claim such broadly.

To facilitate the setting, of the head, I provide means whereby all of the locking levers may be simultaneously actuated to make the locking mechanism inoperative, thus permitting any of the digit wheels to be freely rotated. This means comprises a shaft y, having a flattened portion 1 to afford the proper clearance to permit the actuation of the various levers.

The ordinary drop cipher may be used with my numbering head when desired.

If desired, a series of holding pawls a to 2* may be used for preventing a return of any ratchet wheel a" to m with any pawl o to W.

The operation of the herein described numbering head is substantially as follows :Assuming that it is desired to set the numbering head preparatory to starting a run, the shaft 3 is turned as indicated in Fig. 2, acting on the adjacent ends of the levers 0 to s, and 0 to s, both-inclusive, throwing the cam surfaces on the latter levers out of the operative relation totheir respective cam plates, and withdrawing the various bolts 6 from the'sockets u, thus permitting the various printing elements and actuating elements therefor to be freely turned. The digit wheels having been set, the shaft 3 is restored to normal, the fiattened'portion 3 thereof leaving adequate clearance above the Various locking levers.

the ratchet z" and inter-meshing gears z'c.'

Upon the initiation of each actuation of the gear 2' a tooth of the star wheel 2' will engage the cam surface upon the lever 0, raise said lever, and through the pin and slot connection 0 raise the lever 0 against the tension of its spring 0 thus withdrawing the bolt t from the socket u of the unit wheel in which it is seated, and permitting said digit wheel to be rotated through its gear 0 and the gear'z' of the units digit wheel actuating mechanism. The star Wheel 6 and the cam surface upon the lever 0 may be so proportioned as to hold the bolt 25 carried by the lever 0 out of engagement with the digit wheel 0 until toward the completion of one tenth of a rotation of said digit wheel, I

whereupon said star wheel will release said lever and permit the spring 0 to restore the lever 0 to normal, the bolt t thereof entering the succeeding socket in the digit wheel 0, stopping further rotation thereof, and bringing it into a certain predetermined position where it will be properly alined with the other digit wheels. During this operation, the rises 2' j k and Z will be disen gaged from the levers p q r and 8, thus permitting the springs 29 g 1 and s to set the locking mechanism for each of the digit wheels cl 6 f 9. Hence, during the printing interval, all of the digit wheels will always be locked, the interval during which any digit wheel is unlocked being determined not by the position ofthe digit wheel, but by the operative moment of theactuating mechanism therefor. Assuming that the numbering head is started at Z, this operation will be repeated until the character nine is brought to the printing position. At this time, the cam 2' upon the cam plate 17 will be just about to engage the cam surface upon the lever ya, so that with the next actuation of the plunger w, the initial movement of the'ratchet' under the pawl Q) will cause said rise to engage said cam surface, raise said lever, and actuate the bolt t upon the lever 79 to release the digit wheel (Z and permit its rotation under the pawl '71 acting upon the ratchet wheel j. Each of the rises 2' to m or the cooperating cam surfaces upon the levers p to .9 may be so proportioned as to hold the bolts carried by the levers g) to s respectively, out of engagement with the digit wheels (Z to 9 respectively, until said digit wheels have described substantially one tenth of a rotation. At this time, each said bolts will be restored by its spring 29 to 8 to its former position in the succeeding socket within its digit wheel. Hence, upon the completion of the one tenth rotation of the digit wheel d under the pawl a and the interposed actuating mechanism, the levers p p will be restored to normal, and the digit wheel (Z locked. in position and brought to proper alinement in the same manner referred to in connection with the actuation of the units digit wheel 0. Upon the completion of one full rotation of the tens Wheel, (and of the tenth full rotation of the units wheel) the pawls a and Q) will both drop Within the sockets in the ratchet wheels '5 j respectively, permitting the pawl '0 to drop into the operative relation to the ratchet wieel 7c, thus imparting a rotary movement of one tenth of a rotation to said ratchet wheel is and through its gear is and the gear 6 to the hundreds digit wheel 6, the cam plate j and rise j thereon releasing the said digit wheel 6 through the levers Q in the same manner as referred to in connection with the corresponding parts controlling the tens digit wheel d. This operation is repeated as the thousands and tens of thousands wheels are actuated through the successive operations of the numbering head.

The groups of mechanisms shown in the drawings may be varied in number as required, the operation of the actuating mechanism, the digit wheel, and the locking mechanism being identical with any wheel above the units wheel.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that in the form of the invention shown in the drawings, all of the digit wheels are locked against rotation excepting during that interval in which they are receiving rotary movement under the control of the main actuating mechanism. it therefore is apparent that in the event of the fouling of any digit wheel, by ink, skipping cannot occur and hence accuracy in the progressive actuation of the numbering head is secured. Furthermore, the bolts 25 will prevent overrunning of each digit wheel, and in case of a slight overrunning thereof, or a short actuating thereof, will bring the wheel into place, thus insuring accuracy in the alinement of the diiterent digit wheels.

From the foregoing description, and by a'reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be seen that I employ a plurality of printing elements each of which is provided with an actuating mechanism by which said printing elements are progressively actuated; and that each of said p 'inting elements is normally locked against movement by independently operative locking means which are severally automatically actuated in a timely manner by the aforesaid actuatmg mechanism. It will also be observed that the means controlling said locking mechanism is operative to release the same only during that interval in which a movement is to be imparted to the printing element. The duration of the period in which said locking mechanism is rendered inoperative is preferably made to coincide with the entire period during which the rotation of the printing element occurs, in order to avoid unnecessary wear of the characters upon. the digit wheels. If desired, however, the locking mechanism may be released inunediately following the initial rotary movement of the printing element, and the contact of the bolt with the digit wheel may be relied upon to insure the reengagement of the bolt with the succeeding socket at the proper moment.

is l have hereinbefore stated, I prefer to provide locking means for the units digit wheel, as well as for the remaining digit wheels, this locking mechanism being operative ten. times with each rotation of the digit wheel. is not absolutely necessary to produce a fully operative structure.

lihile l have described, and in the ac companying drawings have shown, a particular and well known. form of main actuating mechanism, by means of which the gear wheels 71 to m and cam plates '5 to m are progressively actuated, means other than those shown may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

By having the locking means act directly upon the printing elements, I am enabled to secure perfect alinement at all times, and avoid the necessity for absolute accuracy in the gears through which the printing elements are actuated.

l vhile it is desirable to have the cams i so set that even when the digit nine is in the printing position the digit wheel will be locked, these cams may be so set that when the character nine of any wheel is in the printing position the succeeding wheel will be unlocked, inasmuch as, so long as any one digit wheel between the unit wheel and any other wheel set at nine is locked, the locking of such intermediate wheel will prevent transmission of movement from the unit wheel to the unlocked wheel. Such a construction, however, is

This construction, however,

not so eflicient as one in which the cams are set as herein described. It is not my intention, however, to limit the invention in its broader aspects, to a structure wherein the cams are set as herein described. In fact, various modifications may be made in the numbering head shown in the accompanying drawings, to adapt the essentials thereof to different types of numbering heads, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent, is

1. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements, means simultaneously and progressively actuating each of said iprinting elements and the corresponding rotary element, a sequence of locking means acting upon each of said printing elements excepting the units element, and cooperating'with the rotary element of the digit wheel of next lower denomination, and independently operative means controlled by said rotary elements respectively, whereby said locking means for each printing element is independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element.

A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a d git wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of actuating elements adapted respectively to cooperate with said printing elements,

means simultaneously and progressively actuating each of said printing elements and its cooperating actuating mechanism, a sequence of locking means acting upon each of said printing elements excepting the units element, and cooperating with the actuating mechanism of next lower denomi. nation. and independently operative means controlled bv said actuating elements respectively, whereby said locking means for each printing element is independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element.

3. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit wheel and a gear wheel carried thereby, actuating elements for progressively imparting movement to said printing elements, including therein a plurality of gear wheels severally meshing with the gear wheels of said printing elements, means imparting a timely actuation to each of said last named gear wheels, locking means acting upon each printing element of higher denomination than the units, and cooperating with the actuating element of the printing element of next lower denomination, and independently operative means controlled by said last named gear wheels respectively, whereby said locking means for each printing element is rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each ofsaidprinting elements.

i. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements, means simultaneously and progressively actuating each of said printing elements and the corresponding rotary' element, a sequence of locking means acting upon each of said printing elements excepting the units element, and cooperating with the rotary element of the digit wheel of next lower denomination, independently operative means controlled by said rotary elements, respectively, whereby said locking means for each printing element is independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element, locking means acting upon the units printing element, and means controlled by the rotary element of said units printing element, whereby said locking means for said units printing element is released with each actuation of said printing element.

5. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit wheel having a series of sockets between the characters thereon and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements. means simultaneously and progressively actuating" each of said printing elements and the corresponding rotary element, a sequence of locking means each including therein a bolt adapted to enter the sockets in each of said printing elements excepting the units element, and cooperating with the rotary element of the digit wheel of next lower denomination, and independently operative means controlled by said rotary elements respectively, whereby said locking means for each printing element is independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element.

6. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a d git wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements, means simultaneously and progressively actuating each of said printing elementsand the corresponding rotary element, a sequence of locking meansacting upon each of'said printing elements excepting the units element, and cooperating with the rotary element of the digit wheel of next lower denomination, independently operative means controlled by said rotary elements respectively, whereby said locking means for each printing element is independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element, and means adapted to severally actuate the digit wheel and the coiiperating rotary elements.

7. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements, means whereby each rotary element is operatively connected with its printing element, a main actuating mechanism acting upon said rotary elements whereby they are progressively actuated, and the actuation of each said rotary element causes simultaneous actuation of is printing element, a sequence of locking means acting upon each of said printing elements excepting the units element, and cooperating with the rotary element of the digit wheel of next lower denomination, and independently operative means controlled by said rotary elements respectively, whereby said locking means for each printing element is independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element.

8. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements, means adapted to progressively actuate said printing elements and to simultaneously actuate the corresponding rotary element, a lever system embodying therein a plurality of members each of which includes two pivotally connected levers acting upon independent fulcrums, one of said levers being adapted to engage and lock a digit wheel, of one denomination, and the other to engage the rotary element of the digit wheel of next lower denomination, and a cam carried by each said rotary element and adapted to actuate the lever cooperating th ere wi til i, wherel y 'th e d i l'l'ei 'en t members of said lever systcn'i are independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element,

9. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit wheel having a series of sockets between the characters thereon and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements, means adapted to progressively actuatesald printing elements and to simultaneously.actuate the corresponding rotary element, a lever system embodying therein a plurality of members each of which includes two pivotally con nected levers acting upon independent fulcrums, one of said levers having a bolt thereon adapted to enter the sockets in, and to look, a digit wheel of one denomination, and the other to engage the rotary element of the digit wheel of next lower denomination, and a cam carried by each said rotary element and adapted to actuate the lever cooperating therewith, whereby the different members of said lever system are independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element.

10. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each or rid printing elements, means adapted to progressively actuate said printing element and to simultaneously actuate the correspond ing rotary element, a lever system embodying therein a plurality of members each of which includes two pivotally connected lovers acting upon independent fulcrums, one off said levers being adapted to engage and look a digit wheel of one denomination, and the other to engage the rotary element of the digit wheel of next lower denomination, and a cam carried by each said rotary element and adapted to actuate the lever cooperating the with, whereby the difii'erent members of said lever system are independ ently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element, said cam and the lever acted upon thereby being provided with cooperating surfaces so proportioned as to hold said bolts out of engagement with its digit wheel during the operative moment of said wheel.

11. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each com prising a digit wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements, means adapted to progr sly actuate said ni'inting elements and. to siunilraucous v a tuate the eerie spending rotary element, a lever system our bodying therein a plurality of members. each of which includes two pivotally connected levers acting upon independent ilulcrums, one of said levers being adapted to engage and lock a digit wheel, of we denomination, and the other to engage the rotary element of the digit wheel of next lower denomination, a cam carried by each 0']? said rotary elements and adapted to actuate the lever cooperating therewith, whereby the diiferent members oil said lever temi..are independentlyactuated and ren- V dered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element, and means adapted to severally actuate said means for simultaneously actuating the printing element and the corresponding rotary element.

12. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a' digit wheel and a gear wheel whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a series of gear wheels in mesh with said first named gear wheels respectively, means whereby said last named gear wheels may be progressively actuated and impart simultaneous movement to said digit wheels, a cam carried by each of said last named gears, a lever system embodying therein a plurality of members each of which includes two pivotally connected levers acting upon independent fulcrums, one of said levers being adapted to engage and lock a digit wheel of one denomination, and the other to be engaged by the cam carried by the gear wheel for actuating the digit wheel of next lower denomination, whereby the dilierent members of said lever system are independently actuated and rendered in operative during the operative moment of each printing element, and a main actuating mechanism.

13. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit Wheel and a gear wheel whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a series of gear wheels in mesh with said first named gear wheels respectively, means whereby said last named gear wheels may be progressively actuated and impart simultaneous movement to said digit wheels, a cam carried by each of said last named gears, a lever system embodying therein a plurality of members each of which includes two pivotally connected levers acting upon independent fulcrums, one of said levers being adapted to engage and lock a digit wheel of one denomination, and the other to be engaged by the cam carried by the gear wheel for actuating the digit wheel of next lower denomination, whereby the different members of said lever system are independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element, and a main actuating mechanism comprising a ratchet wheel carried by and moving simultaneously with said gear and said cam carried thereby, and a pawl mechanism including a plurality of teeth adapted to engage said ratchet whcels respectively, said ratchet wheels having depressionstherein whereby the operative moment of said pawl mechanism relative to each ratchet wheel is determined by a wheel or wheels of lower denomination.

14:. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each com prising a digit wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be. rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements, means adapted to progressively actuate said printing elements and to simultaneously actuate the corresponding rotary element, a lever system cmbodying therein a plurality of members each of which includes two pivotally connected levers acting upon independent fulcrums, one of said levers being adapted to engage and look a digit wheel, of one denomination, and the other to engage the rotary element of the digitwheel of next lower denomination, a cam carried by each said rotary element and adapted to actuate the lever cooperating therewith, whereby the different members of said lever system are independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element, locking means acting upon the units printing element, comprising two piv otally connected levers acting upon independent fulcrums, one of said levers being adapted to engage and lock the units digit wheel, and the other to engage the rotary element of the units digit wheel, and a star wheelcarried by the rotary element of the units di it wheel and adapted to actuate the lever cooperating therewith, whereby said units digit wheel will be released a plurality of times during each rotation thereof 15. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, asequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements, means simultaneously and progressively actuating each of said printing elements and the corresponding rotary element, a sequence of locking means acting upon each of said printing elements excepting the units element, and cooperating with the rotary element of the digit wheel of next lower denomination, independently operative means controlled by said rotary elements respectively, whereby said locking means for each printing element is independently actuated and rendered inoperative during the operative moment of each printing element, and means independent of said independently operative means for simultaneou'sly releasing the entire sequence of said locking means.

16. A numbering head embodying therein a sequence of printing elements, each comprising a digit wheel and means whereby said digit wheel may be rotated, a sequence of rotary elements, one for each of said printing elements, means adapted to progressively actuate said printing elements and to simultaneously actuate the corresponding rotary element, a lever system embodying therein a plurality of members each of which includes two pivotally connected levers acting upon independent fulcrums,

and common to all of said levers, whereby said levers may be actuated independently of said cams.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto aflixed 15 my signature, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, this 15th day of May,

AMOS H. SMITH. l/Vitnesses:

P. T. VVENTWORTH, EUGENE 1mins.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Latents,

Washington, 1); C. 

